July 08, 2011

RIPTA Cancels Buses but Buys New SUVs

Normally I don't cover local news from Rhode Island on SISG however occasionally there are things that warrant comment.

Thursday the Providence Journal reported the state's public transit authority, RIPTA was cancelling back up buses due to budget cuts.

I use public transit here in RI almost daily. I have to say I wouldn't be so troubled by this news if I didn't see brand new Ford Explorers for managers regularly parked outside the main bus depot at Kennedy Plaza in Providence. These vehicles start at $29k and get 17mpg city and 25mpg highway according to Ford.

Look at the photo I shot of one of these vehicles in Kennedy Plaza (click on photo for full size) - its certainly not a base model with fancy alloy wheels and other extras.

Frankly I find it irresponsible for a public transit agency in this day and age to be buying anything but fuel efficient vehicles - which this is certainly not. Furthermore its even more upsetting that these vehicles are being purchased when the agency is cutting buses - which actually help people get around and reduce cars on the streets. I understand there may be a need for specilized vehicles for RIPTA support staff but these should be hybrids or fuel efficient compact cars. Why does a RIPTA staff member need a fully loaded Ford Explorer with alloy wheels?

I hope that Governor Chafee looks into this matter as I know these issues are important to him.